4 ms·

I used to work at Yahoo during the whole Microsoft debacle. I have to say that this is a disappointing development, namely because it really sounds like the bo

I used to work at Yahoo during the whole Microsoft debacle. I have to say that this is a disappointing development, namely because it really sounds like the board is giving up on Yahoo, and they will package up Yahoo to the highest bidder. It certainly sounds like the board is getting bored (pun intended) of trying to resuscitate Yahoo and would rather move onto newer and fresher companies with richer rewards. This unfortunately means more rounds of layoffs as they try to increase margins and profitability by hacking and slashing employees. I think in hindsight being sold to Microsoft was probably the best thing for the Yahoo, the employees, and for the shareholders.

blantonl 15y ago
A Microsoft acquisition looked attractive, but I would argue that a Google acquisition would be far better for both. Google would foster a culture totally different from Yahoo's, and at the same time thrill the existing Yahoo employees - which means they would stick around. So much opportunity for both. Microsoft is a great company, but their online businesses are losing money like crazy, and I suspect that many Yahooers would not be super excited about joining Microsoft.
- cpeterso 15y ago
  What would Google gain from acquiring Yahoo? Yahoo has little search technology of its own and many services that overlap with existing Google services. I think Yahoo's properties (and users) might be a better fit with Facebook.
  - blantonl 15y ago
    For one, Yahoo would obtain significant talent. And they would gain an enormous amount of users that use Yahoo's services. I'm curious, why do you think Yahoo's properties would be a better fit with Facebook?
    - ary 15y ago
      Why would Google buy Yahoo so that Yahoo could obtain Google's talent? There is no way Google would water down its engineering pool with Yahoo's engineering staff.
    - brown9-2 15y ago
      That is not how acquisitions work.
  - megablast 15y ago
    Yahoo has some of the most visited websites in the world, for Sports, Finance, etc... Not sure who would gain the most from those properties.
- hristov 15y ago
  The FCC would never let Google acquire Yahoo.
  - mkr-hn 15y ago
    Are you sure you don't mean FTC?
    - hristov 15y ago
      You are right. The FCC does also approve some mergers, but those are mostly for telecoms. I think Google-Yahoo would fall under FTC jurisdiction (as well as the department of justice).

blantonl 15y ago

A Microsoft acquisition looked attractive, but I would argue that a Google acquisition would be far better for both. Google would foster a culture totally different from Yahoo's, and at the same time thrill the existing Yahoo employees - which means they would stick around. So much opportunity for both. Microsoft is a great company, but their online businesses are losing money like crazy, and I suspect that many Yahooers would not be super excited about joining Microsoft.

cpeterso 15y ago
What would Google gain from acquiring Yahoo? Yahoo has little search technology of its own and many services that overlap with existing Google services. I think Yahoo's properties (and users) might be a better fit with Facebook.
- blantonl 15y ago
  For one, Yahoo would obtain significant talent. And they would gain an enormous amount of users that use Yahoo's services. I'm curious, why do you think Yahoo's properties would be a better fit with Facebook?
  - ary 15y ago
    Why would Google buy Yahoo so that Yahoo could obtain Google's talent? There is no way Google would water down its engineering pool with Yahoo's engineering staff.
  - brown9-2 15y ago
    That is not how acquisitions work.
- megablast 15y ago
  Yahoo has some of the most visited websites in the world, for Sports, Finance, etc... Not sure who would gain the most from those properties.
hristov 15y ago
The FCC would never let Google acquire Yahoo.
- mkr-hn 15y ago
  Are you sure you don't mean FTC?
  - hristov 15y ago
    You are right. The FCC does also approve some mergers, but those are mostly for telecoms. I think Google-Yahoo would fall under FTC jurisdiction (as well as the department of justice).